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Thursday, April 16, 2009

Grocery Shopping

When I was growing up, my mother used simple ingredients to create delicious food. We travelled to the nearest grocery store, which was 45 miles north of the ranch, loaded up several baskets, signed the ticket and headed home- breaking into a sack of cookies along the way.

Note: The long term effects of signing tickets and eating cookies randomly is a topic for another day.

My mother had a gold Toronado (remember those?), and she drove fast. Can you picture this? We certainly didn’t want the ice cream to melt.

We had one of these waiting in the garage when we arrived home, so unloading was not a big deal.

She somehow persuaded the manager at HEB in Falfurrias, Texas to lend her one for the duration. Unloading was easy and efficient, especially since the sidewalk from the driveway to the back door was about 50 yards.

Once inside, we put things away- not in a pantry but in a shallow, three can deep cabinet, from the floor up about six feet, that she had built next to the refrigerator. She taught me that a shallow cabinet for canned goods was better. Canned goods were not the no-no that some cooks profess today.

Confession: I love Del Monte whole green beans with a hamburger patty, grilled onions, and a glass of tea. When I am working on it ,that seems to off-set cookie jamming spells.

When you live on a ranch 45 miles from town, stocking up is important. I love to stock up. Most collectors do, don’t they?

(I’m off to the hospital to see my father. I stuck his hunting flashlight into the bag I am taking him- in case he needs to check things out after dark.)

Laura, thank you for visiting my Southern Lagniappe blog and for taking the time to leave a comment about my wildflower post. I'm so glad it led me to your wonderful "White Spray Paint."

I so enjoyed getting to know you and your family through several of your stories. I especially love the one about grocery shopping with your mother ... and love your dad's "keep a tight rein" saying. That says so much, doesn't it.

You have a wonderful way with words and I will be back to visit again soon when I stay longer. I'm so glad I found you!

OMG! I have been lost in your blog for the last, oh, hour or so! Dinner? What's that? Homework? Fuhgettaboutit! I put on the Do Not Disturb Mommy button and just, well, lost myself in your blog. I love it! I want to follow you so badly but my darned computer won't let me. I don't know why this happens to some blogs, but it happens to me alot :( I will add you to my blog list anyhow. In the meantime - give me more, more MORE!!! hehe! Kim

I love your blog!! I am adding you to my favorites. I hope that's ok. This post was so fun! I do keep canned vegetables on hand. You never know when you might need them. I live in a very rural area. So, I understand stocking up on things. And I do agree with the shallow shelves. They do help you keep organized much easier. I hope you'll stop by my blog again.

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For me, life's greatest moments are found in the company of family,my grandsons,laughing friends, and in the simple things.Throw in trips to the flea market and days when my zinnias are blooming, and I am in heaven.